Stopper for bottles, jars, or other receptacles, and process for manufacturing same.



, WITNESSES No. 872,660. PATENTED DEG. s, 1907.

, Q v J. LOWMAN. STOPP'ER FORBO-TTLES, JARS, OR OTHER REGEPTAGLBS,AND PROCESS FOR 'MANUPAGTURING SAME,

APPLICATION FILED we. 5, 190 5.

' a SHEETS SHEET 1.

A PTO/NV; Y8.

N 0, PATENTED DEC. 3, 1907.

J J. LOWMAN. V

.STOPPBR FOR'BOTTLBS, JARS, OR OTHER RBGEPTAGLES,AND PROGESS FOR 3 MANUFACTURING SAME.

APPLICATION FILED AUG. 5, 1905.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

mmmmllmwsmw i f I A TTOHNEYS.

W/TNESSE g/ f g Z07 5522- His: Way WW No. 872,660- PATENTED DEC. 3, 1907. J. LOWMAN. STOPPER FOR BOTTLES, JARS OR OTHER RECEPTAGLES,AND PROCESS FOR MANUFACTURING SAME.

APPLICATION FILED AUG. 5, 1905.

8 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

541001 wot- .packing or other shallow cork layer, is first compressed laterally (i. e. edgewise) andi's iii STATES PATENT OFFICE.

JOHN LOWMAN, OF LONDON, ENGLAND, ASSIGNOR OF ONE-HALF TO FRANZ JOSEF WILHELM BENDER, OF FRANKENTHAL, PFALZ, GERMANY.

STOPPER FOR BOTTLES, JARS, OR OTHER RECEPTACLES, AND PROCESS FQR MANUFACTURING SAD/IE.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Dec. 3, 1907.

Application filed August 5, 1905- fierial No. 272.900.

specification.

This invention relates to stoppers for hottles jars orthe like or other receptacles.

According to this invention cork in the form. of a'cork disk (or disks) or cork sheet (or sheets) of. any suitable shape; or cork wad or cork washer (or washers) or thin cork then placed, while under such lateral 01: edgewise compression, in caps holders capsules or covers of any suitable shape and of any suitable material (for example metal such as tin plate, aluminium, etc. or glass, china, wood, composition, etc.) and an especial object (inter alia) of the present invention is to put such cork under considerable compression cdgewise for the purpose (inter alia) of getting rid of or reducing the porosity of the cork especially when said cork disks or cork sheets etc. are cut out of the cork in such manner that the grain holes or pores run throu h the disk or sheet more or ess parallel to t 1e short side edges of the latter.

Heretofore vertical compression has been applied to cork disks used in combination with shallow capsules or shallow caps of metal inclosing said cork disks for stoppering bottles; but according to the present invention in addition to such vertical compression considerable transverse compression ('i. e.

- edgewise on the aforesaid cork) is employed and by the present invention many advantages are obtained.

For the sake of example the present invention is illustrated in thr accompanying drawings and will.be described as carried into practice with cork in the form of a cork disk of about an eighth of an inch in thickness.

Referring to the accompanying drawings:Figure 1 is a plan of an uncompressed cork disk 4.. e. before same has been subjected to pressure edgewise. Fig. 2 is cross-sectional view thereof.

cross-sectional viewofFig. 1. Fig. 3 is a plan of the aforesaid disk (Figs. 1 and 2) after same has been compressed and reduced to the size shown in Fig. 3. Fig. 4 is crose 'sectionalview of the compressed disk shown in Fig. 3. Fig. 5 shows this compressed disk A inserted in its compressed state into a plain metal cap B andFig. 6 is Fig. 7 shows this'compressed disk A inserted into another form of metal cap having a crimped edge and Fig. 8 is cross-sectional view thereof. Fig.

9 shows this compressed disk inserted into yet' another form of metal cap and Fig. 10 is cross-sectional view thereof. Fig. 11 is lan of uncompressed cork washer (i. e. be ore same is'compressed ed cwise) and Fig. 12 is cross-sectional view thereof. F ig. 13 shows-this washer (Figs. 11 and 12') after same has been compressed edgewise and Fig. 14 is cross-sectional view thereof. Fig. 15 shows this compressed washer inserted while in this compressed state into a metal cap of similar type to that shown in Figs. 5

-and,6 and held therein and Fig. 16 is crosssectional. view thereof. Fig. 17 shows the compressed washer inserted into another form of cap namely this cap is provided with a central mound or boss ll and Fig. 18 is cross-sectional view thereof. Fig. 19 is a View of a cork washer (similar to Fig. 11) before same has been compressed edgewise and Fig. 20 shows this said washer after same has been compressed edgewise both from its outer edge and from its inn'er edge whereby the central opening files been enlarged. Fig. 2]. shows other than a circular piece of cork before compression and Fig. 22

shows same after it has been compressed into circular form t. e. as a disk. "Fig. 23 is a transverse section through a cap having a lining constituted by a plurality of laterallycompressed disks of cork fitted therein, Fig.

24' is a similar section through a cap lined with a plurality-of washers laid 'flatwise and held in laterally-compressed condition, Fig.

25 is a vertical section of an apparatus for manufacturing stoppers according to the process formin Fig. 26 is a simi ar section of said apparatus, but showin the same at anothersta e in its operation, ig. 27 is a similar view 0 an apav part of the invention,"

I paratus formanufacturing stoppers of another form, Fig. 28 is a bottom plan view of the plunger 'lsho'wnin. Figs. 25 and 26, and

Fig. 29 is a bottom'plan view of the plunger showniin Fig. 27.-

According to .this invention the cork disk A Fig. l (of which Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional View showing the uncompressed cork) is compressed edgewise in such manner as t reduce its diameter or superficial area con siderably and at same time produce the required shape see Fig. 3 (of which Fi'. 4 is a cross-sectional view) showing the cor compressed. While said disk A is under said lateral or transverse pressure it is fitted tightly or placed into any suitable inclosing cap or holder or capsule or cover of the desired character as aforesaid and there retained (ready for use) in its compressed form; for example the cork disk A while in this compressed state may be placed 'either: (a) into a shallow cap B of sheet metalhaving a plain annular flange b as shown in underside plan in Fig. 5 ..and crosssectional view thereof in Fig. 6; or (1;) into a sheet metal cap such as C (Fig. 7) having the annular flange 0 thereof crimped or corrugated or formed with a series of indentations after the manner of the metal cap used in the now well-known "crown stop er; as shown in underside plan in Fig. 7 an cross- (sectionalview thereof in Fig. 8; or (0) 'into v 'a'd'eep metal cap 'such as D (Fig. 9) having stopper;

the annular flange (Z (of considerable de th) formed as a strap with means to buc e or fasten same after the manner of the metal cap used in the nowwell-known Phoenix Fi 9 being. an underside plan thereof and ig.10 a cross-sectional view.

Instead of employing a cork disk as aforesaid-a cork washer may be employed such as the cork washer E (having the central opening e therein of suitable size) shown in the uncompressed state in plan in Fig. 11 and in cross-section at Fig. 12; and shown in its compressed state (t'. e. after being compressed edgewise) in plan in Fig. 13 and cross-section at Fig. 14; this washer E after being thus compressed. edgewise being placed in any;

suitable cap as aforesaid and for the sake of example is shown at Fig. 15 (of which Fig.f16 is a cross-sectional view) placed in a lain sheet metal cap F with plain annular ange f similar to the cap B Figs. 5 and 6. Or if desired the cap for holdin the compressed cork washer E may be provi .-.ed with a central stud or boss or insetformed either out of the substance of the cap itself or otherwise'as desired as forexample a cap G such as shown in Figs. 17 and '18 may be employed with the central part embossed or stamped up so as to form the central mound or boss H of a size adapted to fit the central opening 6 in the cork washer; while the circumferential flange of said capG may either beplain as shown at Figs. '17 and'ls, or may be of other suitable character such as that shown at Figs. 7 and 8 or 9 and 10.

The cork washer I, such as illustratedin Fig. 19, in addition to being compressed from its outer circumference may also if desired be compressed from its inner circumference i in which case the central opening 6, in said washer I- will be expanded as illustrated in Fig. 20 which shows the cork washerI (shown uncompressed in Fig. 19) after same has been subjected tosuch compression upon v both its inner and outer edge.

Any suitable shaped piece of cork may be employed in place of the washers E or cork dicated in Fig. 23; or they may be 'constie tuted by washers E as shown in Fig. 24.

The effect of such lateral or edge pressure upon the cork is to close or tend to close the pores or grain holes of the cork or compress or compact the cork transversely in such wise as to render the cork nonorous or practically so (especially towards the surrounding edge where it,makes the-closure with the bottle etc.) so that when the vertical pressure is a plied to such compressed cork disk or was er etc. which is held and maintained in its compressed state in its capsule etc. thereby a very-effective sealing or closure (of the bottle moutlf etc.) is effected.

In carrying oiit the improved process for manufacturing stoppers, apparatus such as that shown in Figs. 25 to 29 is preferably used. Said apparatus comprises-a conical tube 1 supported, by means such as indicated, in

u ri ht osition, with it's'smaller end lower- P e p most. I Below. said conicaltube is a cup 2, designed to receive the ca into. which the cork piece is to be fitted. aid cup 2 has associated. therewith means for raising the same up to the lower end or mouth of the conical tube 1, as shown in Fig. 26. A plun ger' 3 guided vertically above said tube 1, carries at its lower end spring-arms 5 designed to mow through the latter, said arms being forced radially togetherduriug their down ward movement by the conical shapeof the tube-bore. In order to laterally compress the cork pieces or disks and force them into the caps while they are in such compressed condition, said disks are forced downwardly and axially through the conical tube 1 by means of the plunger 3. During this 'opcration saiddis ks are laterally compressed by the wallofsaid tube, such compression being uniform throughout theirperipheries. When i each disk arrives/at the lower end or mouth of the compressing-tube the cup'2 is raised to receive it, and the disk is then forced downwardly by the plunger into the cap held in said cup, as shown in Fig. 26, while said disk is still in laterally compressed condition.

After the disk is forced into the cap it is maintained in such condition by the c1rcum ferential flange of the-latter.

As before stated, the'arms 5 of-the plunger,

which engage the disk, are spring-arms, and during t e downward movement of said plunger they are forced-radially together by the wall of the compression-tube; Owing to this movement of'said arms they engage thewithdrawn in upward direction from the tube 1- they spring back intotheir normal position. r

In the apparatus shown in Fig. 27, by,

means of which cork washers are compressed and fitted into the caps, the plunger is provided with a central downwardly-extending mandrel 7 which passes throu h the aperture in the washer and supports t e latter at its inner edge while it is being compressed. In this manner the washer is uniformly compressed at its outer and inner edges.

After the disk or washer of corl has been fitted in the cap as described, the cup- 2 is lowered and the stopper discharged therefrom in any suitablemanner.

In case a stopper such as shown in- Figs. 23

and 24 is to be manufactured, the layers or washers are simultaneously or successively forced into the cap flatwise and compressed therein, after which the cap is discharged.

The material employed for forming the capsule or inc losing cap or cover for the compressed cork disk may be of any suitable sheet metal such as tin plate or aluminium or the like or other suitable material may be employed for this purpose.

While the aforesaid invention has been described as, carried into practice with cork it will be obvious that not only natural cork may be employed but any suitable cork substitute may be employed if desired-for eX- ample any suitable cork composition'or artificial cork may be employed in carrying out the present invention. I

WhatI claim is 1. The herein described process of manufacturing stoppers from cork held in cap:

' sules caps or covers for effecting the closure of bottles jars orother receptacles which con sists in compressing edgewise a piece of cork of su table formand while in this compressed state placing same into a cap or holder which servesto retain it in this'la'terally compressed state and whereby it is applied in this state to theo'utlet to be closured.

The process of manufacturing bottlestoppers, which consists inlaterally compressing a piece of cork throughout its periphery, and forcing the same into a cap-of such size as to maintain said piece in such laterally-compressed condition.

.3. The process of manufacturing bottlestoppers, which consists in laterally compressing-a piece of cork simultaneously at all points in its periphery, and .forcing' the same into'a cap having a flange to maintain' said piece in such laterally-compressed condition.

4. The herein described process of man'ufactoring stoppers from cork held in capsules caps or covers for effecting the closure'of bottles jars or other receptacles which consists in compressing edgewise a corkiwasher and simultaneously supporting the washer 0,11 its inner circumference and while in this compressed state placing same" into afcap or holder which serves to retain it in-this laterally compressed state and where'by'it is applied in this state to the outlet to be clo'sured.

5. The herein'described process of manufact'uring stoppers fromcork held in capsules caps or covers for effecting the closureof bottles jars or other receptacles which consists in compressing edgewise a cork washer; and' simultaneously compressing the washer its inner circumference and while/1n th1s'com pressed state placing same into a "cap or holder which serves to retain it in this laterally compressed state and whereby it is applied in this state to the outlet to be closured;

6. A stopper for effecting the closure. of

bottles jars or other receptacles comprising an outer cap and a piece of cork Whichhas;

been compressed edgewise and while in this compressed condition placed within said cap whereby it is held and applied while still in the aforesaid compressed state to the outlet to be closured.

7. A stopper for effecting the closure of bottles jars or other receptacles comprisin an outer cap and a shallow piece of cor which has been compressed edgewise and while in this compressed condition placed within said cap whereby it is held and applied while still'in the aforesaid compressed state to the outlet to be closured.

8. A stopper for effecting the closure of bottles jars or other receptacles comprisingcompressed'condition placed within said cap whereby it is held and applied while still in the aforesaid compressed state to the outlet to be closured.

9. A stopper for effecting the closure of bottles jars or other receptacles comprising an outer cap and a cork washer which has been compressed edgewise and while in th1s compressed conditiomplaced within said cap whereby it is held an applied while still in the aforesaid compressed state to the outlet to be closured.

10. A stopper for effecting the closure of bottles'jars or other receptacles comprising an outer cap and a pluralit of pieces of cork laid together flatwise Whic 1 have been compressed edgew'ise and while in this compressed condition placed within said cap whereby same are held and applied while still in the aforesaid compressed state to the outlet to be closured.

11. A stopper for effecting the closure of bottles jars or other receptacles comprising an outer cap and a plurality of shallow pieces of cork la d together fiatwise which have been compressed edgewise and while in this compressed condition placed within said cap whereby same are held and applied while still in the aforesaid compressed state to the outlet to be closured.

12. A stopper for effecting the closure of bottles jars or other receptacles comprising ,an outer cap and a plurality of layers of cork laid together flatwise which have been compressed edgewise and while in this compressed condition placed within said cap whereby same are held and applied while still in the aforesaid compressed state to the outlet to be closured. s

13. Astopper for effecting the closure of bottles jars or other receptacles comprising an outer cap and a plurality of cork washers laid together fiatwise which have beenvcompressed edgewise and while in this compressed condition placed within said cap whereby same are held and applied while still in the aforesaid compressed state to the outlet to be closured.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand-in presence of two witnesses.

' JOHN LOWMAN. Witnesses; Y

HENRY BIRKBEGK, H. D. JAMEsoN. 

